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Grigs Homestead

It was a Glorious Spring day on May 21, 2016, when HRCA led a History Hike to the Grigs Homestead. Maura Bishop, HRCA Backcountry staff, led the group of 10 hikers across the hills into the Grigs Homestead area. Once there, they feasted on delicious picnic fare, while the history of the Grigs Ranch and the general Highlands Ranch area was reviewed by Nancy Linsenbigler, with the HR Historical Society. Much of the information shared had been obtained in 2015 from Norma Grigs, widow of William Grigs (grandson of Lafayette Grigs).

The Underwood/Grigs Ranch was called Pine Tree Ranch, back when it was established in the late 1800s. Lafayette Grigs and his wife Lorinda Underwood Grigs lived there for many years, finally selling the ranch in 1924 to the Mansion owner (this would have been toward the end of the Waite Phillips ownership). During the 46 active years of the ranch, the Grigs had cattle, dairy cows, and wild mustangs on the property. Their home, now long abandoned and in poor condition, was once lovely and large, with 2 stories, 7 rooms, facing east for the morning sun, and commanding a great view towards the north (what is now downtown Denver). There were two bay windows, one on the east side and one on the west side of the home. The home was built using square, handmade nails, many of which are now visible. Remnants of the ranch house, the corrals, and the silo are still present. The ranch is now part of the Highlands Ranch BackCountry, and is used for nature activities, along with modern day cattle operations. On our visit, we passed a herd of young cattle, curious, and active in the warm spring sun.